BREAKING NEWS

BREAKING NEWS

MCC faculty member honored with award for video

It’s not quite the Golden Globes or Oscars, but one local filmmaker is enjoying his time in the spotlight.

Marshalltown Community College broadcast faculty member Steve Muntz produced a video titled “Flyover States” which has been recognized as a top four finalist in a competition sponsored by the Midwestern Governors Association.

“It feels great,” the Le Grand resident said of the honor. “I wasn’t sure if I would make a finalist.”

The three-minute video stars Marshalltown residents and stage veterans Craig Luttrell and Chad Weir and highlights several positive features of the Midwest.

The two play business travelers and it is set in an airport terminal.

“I think they pulled it off really well as businessmen,” Muntz said.

The goal of the contest is to create videos that promote the Midwest as a place to live and work. Muntz said his film touches on the friendly people, good schools, wide open spaces, high tech businesses, clean air and good jobs provided in the Midwest.

His title and subject plays off the stereotype that this area is among the flyover states for those who live on both coasts.

The three other finalists hail from Ohio, Minnesota and Illinois and the $2,500 winner is expected to be named Feb. 1.

“I’m just happy to be a finalist,” Muntz said. “It was fun to put together.”

Muntz is also director of television services at MCC and produces videos in his spare time. In 2011, he completed the documentary film “14 Days of Iowa” which used footage from his walk across the state.